This beautiful book brings together an extensive collection of over 200 works by artists from Azerbaijan and Russia who lived and worked during the second half of the 20th century. Despite being of different schools, generations and often creative mindsets, these artists were united by their need for inner freedom, which drove their work beyond the restrictions of Socialist Realism, the dominant ideology of the time. Following an in-depth study of the subject as a whole, the book is divided into two sections representing the two countries and cultures. It features paintings and drawings by more than 50 artists plus a biography and analysis of their works. Written by two leading Art Historians from the State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, in both English and Russian, this book will appeal to everyone interested in modern art, both experts and enthusiasts alike.